I rise to speak on the Migration Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2008 [2009] which amends the Migration Act to clarify and enhance provisions in the act that relate to merits and judicial review of migration decisions.
These amendments aim to rectify the shortcomings of the Migration Le... ...more
It is with sadness this evening that we formally farewell a wonderful colleague and a true gentleman. Since coming to the Senate in May 2005, I have truly enjoyed working with you, Chris, and sharing many of the highs and lows that make up our daily lives in this place. When I first heard you referr... ...more
Thank goodness for the happy campers—the new front line in our border protection. The headlines today say it all: ‘Security scramble after boat people reach Shark Bay’. You can almost see it. They are coming ashore and they say, ‘Excuse me, where can I moor my boat?’ and they are told, ‘Just go down... ...more
The coalition will be supporting the Migration Legislation Amendment (Worker Protection) Bill 2008 but, in doing so, wants to raise some major concerns highlighted by the lack of availability of the regulations to the bill. Whilst the coalition is conscious of the various instances of exploitation o... ...more
I move:
That the Senate take note of the statement.
Can I say at the outset that I am pleased that the government has decided to continue with the coalition’s citizenship test and that it will continue to be in English. An understanding of the English language is crucial. Migrants... ...more
I rise to comment on the tabling of this report. This has been another difficult question for the Senate. Whilst the object of the inquiry was primarily about the management of second trimester labour, it nevertheless focused on the wider issue of abortion. It is always an issue which raises challen... ...more
Mr Acting Deputy President Barnett, can I at the outset associate myself with the comments that you made earlier in your speech, having had the benefit of being on the Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs and hearing witnesses. I have in particular noted the comments of the ... ...more
I rise to speak on the Migration Amendment (Notification Review) Bill 2008, and I am very pleased to be doing so as the new shadow parliamentary secretary for immigration and citizenship. I can indicate that the coalition will be supporting this bill. The bill addresses notification issues that have... ...more
Mr Acting Deputy President Parry, I take this opportunity to congratulate you on your appointment as Acting Deputy President. It is the first time that I have spoken while you have been in the chair.
I rise today to pay tribute to a special Australian who recently passed away, Biaggio Sign... ...more
Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (NO. 1) 2008-2009
Appropriation Bill (NO. 1) 2008-2009
Appropriation Bill (NO. 2) 2008-2009
Tonight, I rise to look back at some of the ‘highlights’ of the last seven months of the Rudd regime. I would like to start by looking at th... ...more